Three first-time candidates are vying for an open 1st Ward seat on the Walker City Commission in the August 4 primary election.

The top two finishers will advance to the November 3 general election, when Walker voters will choose a new commissioner for a four-year term. The seat represents the city's northeast side, stretching from Elmridge Drive to the west and the city boundaries along the Grand River to the east.

The Candidates

According to an mlive.com report, the three candidates are Trevor Granger, Gloria Lara, and Mark Ratering. All three are newcomers to the commission race.

• Trevor Granger, 39, works in cybersecurity and serves in the Michigan Air National Guard. He has 20 years of military experience and currently serves on the Walker Zoning Board of Appeals. Granger holds a bachelor's degree in integrative studies from Ferris State University.
• Gloria Lara is a nonprofit leader with expertise in financial oversight, governance, budgeting, and strategic planning. She serves as vice-chair on the eight-member Michigan Civil Rights Commission. Lara holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from California State University, Fullerton, and a master's degree from Harvard Business School.
• Mark Ratering, 37, is an engineer who serves on the Walker Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Why the Seat Is Open

The open seat is currently held by Ward 1 Commissioner Steven Gilbert, who was first elected to the commission in 2017. His term ends this year, and he is term-limited as a commissioner, according to mlive.com.

The Walker City Commission consists of seven members: the mayor and two commissioners representing each of the city's three wards. Four other seats on the commission are on the ballot in the November 3 election, including another Ward 1 seat that is open for a partial term ending in 2028. Commissioner Mike Burde was appointed earlier this year to fill that vacancy until it can be filled in the upcoming election.

What the Candidates Are Saying

The mlive.com report included responses from each candidate on key questions about their qualifications and priorities.

Public service has always been an important part of my life. I serve as a leader in the Michigan Air National Guard with over 21 years of total military experience. I am also a member of the Walker Zoning Board of Appeals. I am driven to ensuring the voice of the people has the impact that it should.

That statement from Trevor Granger emphasized his military background and current service on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

I have more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit and business organizations, with a strong background in financial oversight, governance, strategic planning, and community-centered decision-making.

Gloria Lara highlighted her nonprofit leadership and experience with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

The mark of effective city governance is when it is almost invisible. Streets get plowed and maintained, fires barely make the news, and growth is managed properly to avoid stressing services and residents.

Mark Ratering pointed to his two years of service on city committees and his residence within Ward 1.

The Central Issue: Managing Growth

All three candidates identified growth as a defining challenge for Walker.

Granger said Walker is one of the least densely populated suburbs of Grand Rapids. He argued against bringing in large-scale apartment developments and said the city should focus on providing more single-family homes.

Lara said one of Walker's biggest challenges is balancing growth while protecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality city services. She noted that future opportunities, including potential data center development, should be evaluated carefully with attention to environmental impacts, energy and water usage, and infrastructure capacity.

Ratering called managing growth the number one issue facing Walker. He described Ward 1 as a mix of single-family residential areas, the Alpine corridor, and the industrial zone on Northridge and 3 Mile. He said residential areas should stay as they are. He supported incremental growth as larger plots come up for sale. He opposed apartment complexes in residential zones. He said the Alpine corridor and industrial area are well positioned for larger development due to freeway access.

How to Vote

The primary election is on August 4. The general election is on November 3. MLive and the League of Women Voters of Michigan published a voter guide for the 2026 elections at Vote411.org/Michigan.